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Question DetailsAsked on 10/25/2012

I'm working on correcting a downspout drainage solution for a gutter downspout that pools water in a low spot near my newly constructed paver patio - if I don't correct it, freezing water may ruin the patio. I've dug a 1-2 foot deep trench to redirect that downspout away from the house and the patio - it will eventually hold a drain pipe and be wrapped in landscape fabric and partially back-filled with gravel. Which type of drain pipe would be best for this application - perforated or non-perforated? My concern with perforated pipe is that even though the majority of water will follow the pipe's slope, some of it will still leach into to the soil between the patio and foundation, potentially causing heaving in the patio or problems with the foundation. My concern with non-perforated pipe is ALL the water will be redirected to the discharge area (it's on a slope near the curb), which may cause it to be waterlogged.

3 Answers

Unless you are constructing a French Drain (dry well filled with rock or debris and no exit) system you use a non perforated system. Cut the plastic flush on the angle where it daylights if the slope is great enough, If you need it river rock can be used to construct a dry riverbed type drainage ditch out from the daylighted drain. Old Waterproofing Contractor & Gutter ContractorJim Casper

Definitely solid pipe until you are a safe distance from the house where water build up can not hurt the foundation or porch. Once away from everything you can transition to perforated pipe to disperse a small amount of water as it goes toward the exit point.